With hormonal birth control, a woman takes hormones similar to those her body makes naturally. These hormones prevent ovulation. When there is no egg to be fertilized, pregnancy cannot occur. Birth control (contraceptive) medications contain hormones (estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone alone). The medications are available in various forms, such as pills, injections (into a muscle), topical (skin) patches, and slow-release systems (vaginal rings, skin implants, and contraceptive-infused intrauterine devices)

Choosing which estrogen and progesterone dose, type, and administration method is highly patient specific, meaning that the choice greatly depends on factors unique to an individual. General goals are to choose a product that provides good menstrual cycle control with the fewest adverse (side) effects and to use the lowest hormone dose possible. After beginning birth control medications, it may be necessary to adjust the dose or to choose a different product.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills have been popular since the 1960s, and today they are relied upon by more than half of all women using a reversible method of birth control. "The pill" is the common name for oral contraception. There are two basic types i.e. combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both are made of hormones like those made by a woman's ovaries. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Both types require a medical evaluation and prescription. Both can prevent pregnancy. Combination pills usually work by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg. Progestin-only pills usually work by thickening the cervical mucus. Less often, they prevent ovulation.

Skin Patch

The contraceptive skin patch is a small (1.75 square inch) adhesive patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. It is a weekly method of hormonal birth control. The patch Ortho Evra is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. A new patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three weeks in a row. No patch is used in the fourth week. The patch releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month.

The hormones in the patch work by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg. The hormones also thin the lining of the uterus. In theory, this could prevent pregnancy by interfering with implantation of a fertilized egg. But there is no scientific evidence that this occurs.

Vaginal Ring

The Ring is a reversible prescription method of birth control. It is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week. The ring releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month. The vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that is placed in the upper vagina. The ring releases both estrogen and progestin continuously to prevent pregnancy. It is worn for 21 days, removed for 7 days, and then a new ring is inserted.

Injections

One type of injection of hormonal birth control, called depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), provides protection against pregnancy for three months. This means a woman needs only four injections each year. The DPMA shot is an injectable progestin-only prescription method of reversible birth control. It contains a hormone that is similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to regulate the menstrual cycle. The shot is also known as DMPA. The D stands for "depot," the solution in which the hormone is suspended. The hormone is medroxyprogesterone acetate. The common brand name for the DMPA shot is Depo-Provera. A shot of DMPA can prevent pregnancy for 12 weeks.

Implants

Progestin is a synthetic hormone similar to the progesterone made by a woman's ovaries. The progestin in the implant works in two ways. Usually, it thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from joining with an egg. Less often, it keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Left in place, an implant can protect against pregnancy for up to seven years. The effectiveness of Norplant decreases after five years for overweight women. All women should talk to their health care provider after using Norplant for five years to find out if continued use is an option.

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